NK nonprofit job agency asked to vacate building

POULSBO - Sound Works Job Center in Poulsbo needs to relocate by the end of the month from its Iverson Street building, its home for the past 18 years.

The nonprofit, which provides free training and other services to those looking for jobs, was notified by Poulsbo officials late last year to look for a new location.

Much of Sound Work's services are possible because of a longtime agreement that allows the agency to use a 533-square-foot space rent-free from the city. Sound Works pays for utilities, which is around $200 a month, but city staff say that is no longer enough.

The city originally told Sound Works to move by the end of June, but the deadline was extended to Aug. 31 in hopes that the nonprofit could find a new home.

But efforts made to relocate Sound Works have been unsuccessful, according to Sound Works staff and the mayor.

"It doesn't make me feel good," said Erickson, who added that the fact that no other organization wants to help Sound Works indicates that the services aren't needed.

Coffee Oasis, which moved into the same Iverson Street building in December, will likely move into the vacated spot, according to Erickson.

Since 1988, Sound Works has served more than 40,000 clients, according to a news release from the agency. The nonprofit has seen an increase in clients living in their cars due to job loss in recent years.

With an annual budget of $40,000 to $50,000, the nonprofit's only employee, director Bob Middlebrook, said the agency excels at placing individuals into stable, reliable work environments. Grants, private donations and fundraisers fund the nonprofit. Ninety-eight percent of the organization's funding goes back into its free employment program, which supplies job seekers with Internet access and one-on-one training with tasks such as resume writing.

If Sound Works disappears, Middlebrook isn't sure a replacement for the North Kitsap area exists.

"We're really good at what we do," he said.

The agency will put office supplies into storage if an alternative location doesn't come up by the end of month, Middlebrook said, but plans to continue its services.